Arsenal youth defender Alex Kirk has gone out on loan to Scottish second-division side Ayr United, his first spell in senior football.

Arsenal have confirmed that 19-year-old Alex Kirk will head out on loan to Ayr United for the coming season. The deal lasts until next summer, and will represent the youngster’s first spell in senior football.

“I was playing in the u23s (at Arsenal) for one or two years, and I think I really want that push into first-team football,” Kirk said.

“I’ve spoken to the manager and he was really nice and said there’s an opportunity here. I’m really looking forward to it.”

On his aims for the season, Kirk added: “To get into the team, to play as many games as I can and try and help the team as much as possible.”

Kirk certainly seems to be rated highly internally by Arsenal.

The teenager was voted their Scholar of the Year for 2020/21, he joined the first team on their trip to Dubai in January, and he was called up to Mikel Arteta’s Premier League squad in May.

Mostly playing at centre-back, Kirk made 11 Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy appearances this season, after missing over four months of action with a mid-season injury.

A strong defender with a good passing range, Kirk should be able to add value to his loan side. But the main thing for him is clearly to play regular football.

Kirk signed a professional deal with Arsenal in 2021, so he’s likely under contract until 2024. This loan will give the Gunners a good opportunity to assess his progress ahead of a possible extension when he returns.